Federal Government Plans To Embed Journalists In Military Operations

The Federal Government has announced plans to embed journalists with military units during selected operations to enhance accurate security reporting and deepen public understanding of counterinsurgency efforts.

Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), made the disclosure on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd.), the minister said the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies while improving transparency and public confidence in military operations.

Musa described the media as a critical partner in national security management, stressing that modern warfare extends beyond land, air, and maritime domains to include the information space.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government,” the minister said.

He added that effective security outcomes should not be measured solely by battlefield success but also by public trust in security institutions.

However, he cautioned against the premature release of sensitive operational information, warning that such disclosures could compromise missions and endanger personnel.

Also speaking, Information Minister Mohammed Idris urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in reporting security matters.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Chido Onumah, announced the development of a National Security Strategic Communication Framework to improve information sharing between the media and security agencies.